Back to School Blues

Posted
Sunday, September 8, 2013 6:42 pm

By Bob Hartzell; President and CEO of Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet

It’s that time of the year again when kids are heading back to school and parents can give a sigh of relief. Pets, on the other hand, can feel anxious and bored with the transition back to the school year. It’s important to be on alert for this as change can be hard for animals, and lead to stress and undesirable behavior from your pet.

Before school starts, think about the changes that will occur in your pet’s day-to-day life and make those changes slowly. This will give your pet time to adapt instead of overwhelming them with a ton of changes at once. For example: if your dog needs to be kenneled or stay in a room by himself/herself, start the change a couple weeks in advance for short increments of time, and gradually build to the desired length of time your dog will need to be alone or in the kennel.

During the transition back to school, keep meal times as regular as possible and do not make any abrupt changes in their diet. This will help your pet feel secure and stable, and keep them comfortable in a routine. Furthermore, make sure your pets continue to receive the love, attention, and exercise they need throughout this change.

Introducing new toys is another way to keep pets entertained and ease boredom while the kids are away all day. Make sure these toys are interactive and provide your pets with new challenges. The Everlasting Bento and Everlasting Fireplug from Triple Crown Dog are made from highly durable, tear-resistant material. These treat-dispensing toys are engaging and fun, and will keep your pet challenged and busy for hours.

The Busy Buddy Treat Dispensing Toys is another great option as each toy is designed to keep pets playing for longer periods of time. Each toy is made with a different and unique chewing experience, which helps redirect your pet from engaging in destructive chewing behavior.

For more back-to-school products and tips, visit your local Chuck & Don’s. Locations can be found at www.chuckanddons.com.